Clean head, system and method for use in cleaning a fluid conduit

ABSTRACT

A communicator (1) for monitoring a worker in a work environment when carried or worn by said worker, the communicator (1) comprises: a transmitter (7) for communicating with abase station remote from the communicator (1); a location monitoring means (3) for monitoring the location of the communicator (1) and for continuously or intermittently sending to the base station worker location data associated with the respective communicator (1) and/or the worker wearing or carrying the communicator (1); a fall detection device (4) configured to detect a fall event of a worker carrying or wearing the communicator (1); an input means (5) operable by the worker carrying or wearing the communicator (1); and an alarm (8; 9) configured to activate if a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detection device (4), where the communicator (1) is configured to transmit a fall warning to the base station using the transmitter (7) when the fall detection device (4) detects a fall event of a person carrying or wearing the communicator (1) unless the input means (5) is activated to prevent the transmission, wherein the alarm (8; 9) is configured to activate only if a fall warning has been or is being transmitted.

This invention relates generally to a communicator. More specifically,although not exclusively, this invention relates to a communicator formonitoring workers in a work environment.

It is known to use fall detection monitors for monitoring infirm and/orelderly individuals. These fall detection monitors may be carried orworn by an infirm and/or elderly individual. Typically, the falldetection monitor comprises a fall detection device which is configuredto detect a fall event of the individual carrying or wearing themonitor. Upon detection of such a fall event, fall detection monitorsare commonly configured automatically to send a warning to a distantdevice which may be monitored by a healthcare worker or a relative orfriend of the individual carrying or wearing the fall detection monitor.

Such fall detection monitors, however, are known sometimes to fail todetect fall events or to falsely determine that a fall event hasoccurred when it has not done so. Fall detection devices (e.g. ascomprised in a fall detection monitor) commonly comprise one or moreaccelerometers which are configured to measure the acceleration of thefall detection monitor within which they are located. When the measuredacceleration exceeds a pre-set threshold value a fall event isdetermined to have occurred.

It would be advantageous to monitor workers in a work environment, suchas a construction site or the like. As will be appreciated, due to thephysical nature of some work environments (e.g. construction site workenvironments) monitoring workers for fall events may be particularlychallenging.

It is therefore a non-exclusive object of the invention to provide acommunicator which is improved with respect to prior art fall detectionmonitors.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a communicator formonitoring a worker in a work environment when carried or worn by saidworker, the communicator comprising:

-   -   a transmitter for communicating with a base station remote from        the communicator;    -   a location monitoring means or device for monitoring the        location of the communicator and for continuously or        intermittently sending to the base station worker location data        associated with the respective communicator and/or the worker        wearing or carrying the communicator;    -   a fall detection device configured to detect a fall event of a        worker carrying or wearing the communicator; and    -   an input means or mechanism operable by the worker carrying or        wearing the communicator,        where the communicator is configured to transmit (e.g.        automatically) a fall warning to the base station using the        transmitter when the fall detection device detects a fall event        of a person carrying or wearing the communicator unless the        input means or mechanism is activated (e.g. manually) to cancel        or prevent the transmission.

Advantageously, the communicator according to the invention therebyallows a worker carrying or wearing the communicator to cancel orprevent a fall warning from being transmitted to a base station. Such amechanism beneficially allows the worker to cancel or prevent a falsefall warning from being transmitted to the base station if the falldetection device has falsely detected that a fall event has occurred. Inthis way, response to fall warnings can be restricted only to actualfall events of workers. The resources required for responding to suchfall events will not, therefore, be wasted in responding to falselydetected fall events. As will be appreciated, due to the physical natureof some work environments (e.g. construction site work environments) theincidence of false positive fall detection may be particularly high. Thecommunicator of the invention is, therefore, particularly beneficial formonitoring workers in a work environment.

It will be appreciated that when a worker is working at an elevatedheight, for example on a building site, there is a real possibility ofthe worker falling. Because building sites can be large, and oftenworkers are working on their own, the combination of a fall detectiondevice and location monitoring means is advantageous to allow the workerto be located in the event of an incident.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided asystem for monitoring workers in a work environment, the systemcomprising: a base station comprising a receiver and a processor; and acommunicator as described herein.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided asystem for monitoring workers in a work environment, the systemcomprising:

-   -   a base station comprising a receiver and a processor; and    -   a communicator for a worker in a work environment to carry        and/or wear, the communicator comprising:        -   a transmitter for communicating with the base station;        -   a location monitoring means or device for monitoring the            location of the communicator and for continuously or            intermittently sending to the base station worker location            data associated with the respective communicator and/or the            worker wearing or carrying the communicator;        -   a fall detection device configured to detect a fall event of            a worker carrying or wearing the communicator; and        -   an input means or mechanism operable by the worker carrying            or wearing the communicator,            where the communicator is configured to transmit (e.g.            automatically) a fall warning to the base station using the            transmitter when the fall detection device detects a fall            event of a person carrying or wearing the communicator            unless the input means or mechanism is activated (e.g.            manually) to cancel or prevent the transmission.

In embodiments, the communicator may comprise a notification componentor a notifier (or a notification means), for example configured tonotify the worker (e.g. automatically), after a fall event has beendetected by the fall detection device, that a fall warning will betransmitted unless the input means or mechanism is activated. Inembodiments, the notification component or notifier may be configured tonotify the worker (e.g. automatically), after a fall event has beendetected by the fall detection device, that a fall warning will betransmitted unless the input means is activated within a pre-set timeperiod. The pre-set time period may be less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,3, 2 or 1 minutes. The pre-set time period may be between 1 and 60seconds, for example between 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 seconds and 60, 50, 40, 30,20 or 10 seconds.

In embodiments, the notification component or notifier (where provided)may be configured to notify the worker (e.g. automatically) after adelay following a fall event being detected by the fall detection device(and preferably after conclusion of the fall event). The delay may bebetween 1 and 20 seconds, for example between 1 and 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5seconds.

Advantageously, this avoids the possibility of the input means beingactivated during a fall event, for example as the worker falls against asurface and inadvertently activating the input means.

In some embodiments, the notification component or notifier may beconfigured or configurable to produce a visual and/or aural notification(e.g. to the worker). The visual notification may comprise switching onand/or off one or more lights, e.g. on and/or in the communicator. Thevisual notification may comprise displaying text and/or an image on adisplay of the communicator and/or via a projector of the communicator.The aural notification may comprise emitting one or more noises orsounds, e.g. from the communicator. The visual and/or aural notificationmay comprise a message, e.g. for the worker. The message may bepre-recorded or pre-set. Alternatively, the message may be live orcreated or generated in response to detection of a fall event by thefall detection device.

In some embodiments, the communicator may comprise an alarm, for examplewhich may be configured to activate (e.g. automatically) if a fall eventof the worker has been detected by the fall detection device. The alarmmay be configured to activate only if or once a fall warning has been oris being transmitted. The alarm may be configured to give an audiblealarm and/or a visual alarm when it is activated. In embodiments, thenotification means may be configured to provide the alarm (for example,after providing a notification to the user). As will be appreciated, ifa worker is working at height the possibility of falling is real. Whilstlocation detection means may allow rescuers or other responders to bedirected to the proximity of the fallen worker it will may not allowimmediate location of the fallen worker once at the site. This may bedue to the inherent resolution of the location detection means or otherlocal issues. For example, if a worker has fallen down a shaft, locationdetection means (e.g. GPS) may provide an indication of the longitudinaland latitudinal position of the worker (or the device which the workeris wearing) but will not provide guidance as to the worker's verticalposition. An audible and/or visual alarm may allow for rapid location ofthe fallen worker from a proximal position.

The input means or mechanism may be operable to cancel and/or preventthe alarm, for example the audible alarm and/or the visual alarm.

The communicator may comprise a manual override, for example a manualoverride means or mechanism, for example operable by the worker (e.g. totrigger transmission of a fall warning to the base station by thetransmitter). In some embodiments, the manual override means ormechanism may be operable by the worker to trigger the alarm. The inputmeans or mechanism may comprise or be operable connected to the or amanual override means or mechanism. The input means or mechanism and/orthe manual override means or mechanism may comprise one or more buttons,switches or the like. The input means or mechanism and/or manualoverride means or mechanism may comprise a touch screen display. Themanual override means or mechanism may be operable by the worker totrigger transmission of a signal relating to a non-fall related event(for example relating to an injury or other impairment to the worker).The manual override means or mechanism may be actuated or actuatableupon input of a string of commands, e.g. a number of inputs, a passwordor the like. The string of commands may be input manually, orally and/orvisually. The base station may be configured to process and/or interpreta received fall warning and/or a received signal relating to a non-fallrelated event. In embodiments, the base station may be configured toprocess and/or interpret a received fall warning and a received signalrelating to a non-fall related event in the same manner or a differentmanner.

The processor may be configured to maintain a log of worker locationdata and/or worker status data comprising data relating to detected fallevents of workers.

In some embodiments, the transmitter may be arranged or configured forcommunicating (e.g. with the base station) using or via radio waves. Thetransmitter may be arranged or configured for communicating (e.g. withthe base station) using or via one or more communication standard (e.g.telecommunication standard), for example NMT, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, cdmaOne,EV-DO, SVDO, IS-95, IS-2000, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE, LTEAdvanced and/or 5G NR.

The communicator may comprise a transceiver, for example which may beoperable by the worker to communicate with one or more further workerhaving a further communicator and/or with the base station. In someembodiments, the transceiver may comprise the transmitter. Thecommunicator may allow or facilitate text communication and/or vocalcommunication and/or visual communication.

The location monitoring means or device may comprise a globalpositioning system.

The fall detection device may comprise one or more accelerometers.

The fall warning may comprise or contain location data (e.g. associatedwith the respective communicator and/or the worker wearing or carryingthe communicator), for example determined or generated by the locationmonitoring means or device. The communicator may comprise a short-rangeradio transceiver to permit two-way oral communication with the basestation and/or one or more other communicators.

The communicator may comprise a housing, e.g. configured to protect thetransmitter, the location monitoring means, the fall detection deviceand the input means from damage from a fall event of the worker and/orfrom dropping of the communicator by the worker onto a surface. Thehousing may be formed of a relatively tough and/or hard and/or lightmaterial. In embodiments, the housing may be formed of plastic, forexample of polycarbonate. The housing may comprise an external surfaceconfigured or arranged to have anti-slip properties. The housing maycomprise a seal, for example configured to restrict, reduce orsubstantially prevent ingress of liquid into the housing.

The communicator may comprise an impact protection means or impactprotector, for example which may comprise a resilient material. Theimpact protection means or impact protector may be configured to protectthe communicator from impact against a relatively hard surface, forexample if the communicator is dropped or otherwise impacted againstsaid relatively hard surface. The impact protection means or impactprotector may be configured to protect and/or cushion the workercarrying or wearing the communicator, for example should the worker fallonto the communicator during a fall event. The impact protection meansor impact protector may be at least partially formed of rubber. Wherethe communicator comprises a housing the impact protection means orimpact protector may be over-moulded to the housing. In embodiments, thehousing may comprise first and second parts, e.g. and the impactprotection means or impact protector may be over-moulded to the firstand second parts (for example separately). The impact protection meansor impact protector may comprise a coating, for example which may becoated onto the housing (where provided). The coating may cover at leasta portion (e.g. a major portion or the entirety) of the or an externalsurface of the housing or of the first and/or second part of the housing(where provided). Clearly, where the device is intended to be used by aworker working at height (for example a first responder or builder) itis essential that in the event of a fall the device remains operable.Clearly, because of the possible height the device must be suitablerobust to remain operable to allow for rapid location of the fallenworker.

The communicator may comprise image capture means (e.g. one or moreimage capture device). The image capture means may comprise one or morecameras. The image capture means may be configured or configurable tocapture, in use, one or more still image and/or one or more moving image(e.g. video or film). The image capture means may be configured orconfigurable to capture images at regularly scheduled intervals. Theimage capture means may be configured or configurable to continuouslycapture images. The image capture means may be configured orconfigurable to be triggered to capture one or more image. The triggermay comprise a capture button, for example on the communicator.Additionally or alternatively, the trigger may comprise an event (e.g. afall event) being detected by the fall detection device.

The communicator may comprise storage means (for example a store), e.g.for storing data. The storage means may comprise memory (e.g. ROM and/orRAM). The communicator may be configured such that when the falldetection device detects a fall event then fall event data relating tothe detected fall event is stored in or on the storage means. Thecommunicator may be configured such that when the or an image capturemeans (when present) captures an image then image data corresponding tothe captured image is stored in or on the storage means. Thecommunicator may be configured such that image data corresponding toeach image captured, in use, by the image capture means is stored in oron the storage means. In embodiments, the image capture means may beconfigured or configurable to continuously capture a moving image (e.g.video or film), e.g. once triggered. The communicator may be configuredsuch that image data corresponding to the continuously captured movingimage is stored in or on the storage means. Image data stored in or onthe storage means may at least partially overwrite previously storeddata (e.g. image data) stored in or on the storage means.

The communicator may comprise an enclosure, for example configured toretain the storage means (where present). The enclosure may beconfigured to protect the storage means from one or more externalfactors (for example one or more of water ingress, dust ingress, impactdamage, relatively high and/or low temperatures or the like). Theenclosure may be arranged to surround (e.g. substantially or entirely)the storage means.

The communicator may be configured, when the fall detection devicedetects a fall event of a person carrying or wearing the communicator,to transmit (e.g. automatically) or to trigger (e.g. automatically)transmission of a report to one or more third party. The third party maybe a relative, a carer, a health care professional, a health careorganisation, etc. The report may comprise the fall warning or areference thereto. The report may comprise identification data of thecommunicator and/or of the person carrying or wearing the communicator.The identification data may comprise a code or number. The report maycomprise relevant data to the person carrying or wearing thecommunicator. The relevant data may comprise information regarding oneor more medical condition of the person carrying or wearing thecommunicator. The relevant data may comprise medically relevantinformation about the person carrying or wearing the communicator (forexample their age, height, weight, body mass index, sex, blood type,etc.). The relevant data and/or contact information relating to the oreach third party may be stored on or in the communicator and/or remotelytherefrom. The relevant data may be stored or contained in a database ofrelevant data, for example which may comprise data relevant to pluralpeople. The relevant data (e.g. the database thereof) may be stored inor on the storage means (where provided). Contact information of the oreach third party (where the communicator is configured to transmit areport thereto in the event of a fall event being detected) may bestored in or on the storage means. The identification data of thecommunicator and/or of the person carrying or wearing the communicatormay be stored in or on the storage means.

Where the communicator is configured to trigger (e.g. automatically)transmission of a report to one or more third party, the communicatormay transmit a request to a remote server to transmit a report to one ormore third party. The request may comprise or correspond to theidentification data of the communicator and/or the person carrying orwearing the communicator. The remote server may comprise or be the basestation or may be associated or in communication therewith. The remoteserver may comprise the database of relevant data (where provided).

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of monitoring workers in a work environment, the methodcomprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a worker in a work environment with a communicator        to carry and/or wear;    -   b) monitoring the location of the worker using a location        monitoring means or device comprised in the communicator;    -   c) continuously or intermittently sending, via a transmitter of        the communicator to a receiver of a base station, worker        location data associated with the communicator and/or the        worker;    -   d) detecting a fall of the worker using a fall detection device        comprised in the communicator; and    -   e) transmitting (e.g. automatically) a fall warning to the base        station using the transmitter of the communicator unless the        worker activates (e.g. manually) an input means or mechanism of        the communicator.

The method may comprise a step f) of activating an alarm of thecommunicator, for example when a fall of the worker has been detected bythe fall detection device. In embodiments, step f) may occur only if afall warning has been or is being transmitted to the base station, e.g.using the communicator's transmitter.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise a step g) of notifying theworker (e.g. using a notification means or device of the communicator)that a fall warning will be transmitted using the communicator'stransmitter unless the input means or mechanism is activated.

Notifying the worker may comprise providing a visual and/or auralnotification. Providing a visual notification may comprise lighting oneor more lights, e.g. of the communicator. Providing a visualnotification may comprise displaying text or an image, e.g. on a displayor via a projector of the communicator. Providing an aural notificationmay comprise causing the emission of one or more sounds (e.g. from thecommunicator or a noise emission device thereof). Providing an auralnotification may comprise emitting an audible message, e.g. to theworker. The visual and/or aural notification may comprise a message,e.g. a pre-recorded or pre-set message. Alternatively, the message maybe live or created or generated in response to detection of a fall eventby the fall detection device. Where both a visual and aural notificationare provided they may correspond to one another, for example they maycomprise the same or a similar message and/or may have a substantiallyequal duration.

The transmission may be via or using radio waves. The transmission maybe using or via one or more communication standard (e.g.telecommunication standard), for example NMT, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, cdmaOne,EV-DO, SVDO, IS-95, IS-2000, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE, LTEAdvanced and/or 5G NR.

In embodiments, the alarm may be activated by the worker, for example byactivating an activation means or mechanism of the communicator. Inembodiments, the alarm may be activated automatically, for example whenthe transmitter has transmitted or is transmitting a fall warning to thebase station.

The method may comprise a step h) of cancelling or stopping the alarm ofthe communicator. In some embodiments, step h) may comprise the workercancelling or stopping the alarm of the communicator, for example byactivating an or the activation means or mechanism.

If the alarm is cancelled or stopped (e.g. by the worker) the basestation (e.g. an operative thereat) may check (e.g. orally and/orvisually) that the cancellation or stoppage was correct, for example wasintended. The check may be with the worker, for example via thecommunicator.

Once a fall warning has been transmitted an or the alarm of thecommunicator may be activated, for example wherein the alarm (e.g. thesound and/or visual alarm emitted) may comprise the same or a differentalarm. Sounding of an alarm after and/or during transmission of a fallwarning advantageously facilitates finding of the worker carrying orwearing the communicator, for example by one or more rescuers and/orworkers. The input means or mechanism may be configured to notdeactivate an alarm activated after or whilst a fall warning has or isbeen transmitted by the communicator. The alarm may be deactivated orturned off by a rescuer (e.g. only) or by the base station (e.g. only)once communications with the worker carrying or wearing the communicatorhave been established. Accordingly, the likelihood of the alarm beingaccidentally deactivated by the worker carrying or wearing thecommunicator is reduced (for example accidental deactivation by theworker may be prevented).

The method may comprise a step i) of sending an alert by telephone or atelephone messaging service, for example if a fall warning istransmitted to the base station. In some embodiments, step i) comprisesthe base station sending or activating sending the alert by telephone ortelephone messaging service.

Because the base station maintains a log of worker position data thebase station can send an alert to the closest and/or most convenientco-worker to attend the location of the fallen worker. Advantageously,this reduces the time taken to attend to a fallen worker.

In embodiments, the worker activating the input means or mechanism maycomprise the worker pushing a button, switch or touch screen displaycomprised in and/or on the communicator.

The method may comprise a step j) of the worker manually activatingtransmission of a fall warning to the base station using the transmitterof the communicator. Manual activation of the transmission may comprisethe worker activating an or the activation means or mechanism of thecommunicator.

In embodiments, the method may comprise capturing one or more images,e.g. using image capture means (for example of the communicator).Capturing one or more images may comprise capturing one or more stillimage and/or one or more moving image (e.g. video or film). Capturingone or more images may comprise continuously capturing an image (e.g. amoving image). Capturing one or more images may comprise regularly orirregularly capturing images (e.g. moving or still images). The methodmay comprise triggering the capture of one or more images. The triggermay comprise a capture button or other trigger mechanism or means. Themethod may comprise a or the worker activating the capture of one ormore images, for example by actuating the capture button (or othertrigger mechanism or means). Additionally or alternatively, the methodmay comprise the capture of one or more images being triggered bydetection of an event (e.g. a fall event), for example by the falldetection device.

In embodiments, the method may comprise storing one or more capturedimages, for example in a storage means or store (e.g. of thecommunicator). Storing one or more captured images may comprise storingimage data corresponding to the or each captured image. Storing one ormore captured images may comprise at least partially overwritingpreviously stored data (e.g. image data) in or on the storage means orstore. The method may comprise storing fall event data (e.g.corresponding to a fall event detected by the fall detection means), forexample in or on the store (e.g. of the communicator).

The method may comprise retrieving or downloading data (e.g. image dataand/or fall event data) from the store. Retrieving data from the storemay comprise removing (e.g. at least partially) the store (for exampleor an enclosure containing and/or protecting the store) from thecommunicator.

The method may comprise transmitting a report to one or more third party(e.g. a relative, a carer, a health care professional, a health careorganisation, etc.). The method may comprise triggering transmission ofa report to one or more third party, for example by transmitting arequest to a remote server to transmit a report to one or more thirdparty.

The worker may also manually actuate the or an alarm in the case of a‘non-fall’ incident. The manual actuation may require a distinct oridentical input.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein applyequally to any aspect of the invention.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that thevarious aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in thepreceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following descriptionand drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may betaken independently or in any combination. Features described inconnection with one aspect or embodiment of the invention are applicableto all aspects or embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for monitoring workers in a workenvironment according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a communicator according to anembodiment of the invention for use in the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communicator shown in FIG. 2, withthe top portion of the housing removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the communicator shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of the communicator shown in FIG.2, showing an attachment side of the communicator;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the communicator shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a system S for monitoringworkers in a work environment according to an embodiment of theinvention. The system S comprises a base station B and, in thisembodiment, two communicators 1. In embodiments, however, there may beany suitable number of communicators 1 provided. Preferably, there willbe one communicator 1 for each worker in the work environment.

The base station B comprises a processor P and a transceiver Tcomprising a transmitter and a receiver R, in this embodiment. Inembodiments, however, the base station B may comprise a receiver R,only, instead of a receiver R comprised in a transceiver T. The basestation B comprises an optional telephone messaging system TMS, in thisembodiment. However, in embodiments, the base station B may be providedabsent a telephone messaging system TMS.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 6, there is shown a communicator 1 accordingto an embodiment of the invention for use in the system S shown inFIG. 1. The communicator 1 comprises a housing 2 within which arelocated (as shown in FIG. 3) a global positioning system module 3, anaccelerometer module 4, an input device 5 and a transceiver 6 comprisinga transmitter 7, each of which is attached to a printed circuit boardPCB, in this embodiment. The communicator 1 further comprises an alarmcomprising a visual alarm 8 and an audible alarm 9.

The housing 2 is formed from polycarbonate, in this embodiment. Inembodiments, however, the housing 2 may be formed from any suitablematerial with the requisite strength to mass ratio. The housing 2 ispreferably formed by injection moulding. The housing 2 comprises firstand second portions 20, 21 (as shown in FIG. 4) which are removablysecurable to one another using securements, which are bolts BO, in thisembodiment (as shown in FIG. 4). When the first and second portions 20,21 are secured to one another a cavity is defined within the housing 2,within which the printed circuit board PCB and attached components arelocated. A power source BA, which is a battery BA in this embodiment,which is operably connected to the printed circuit board PCB and thecomponents attached thereto, is also located within the cavity of thehousing 2. A charging connector CP, connected to the power source BA, islocated in an aperture through the housing 2 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and6).

A bumper 22, formed from rubber in this embodiment, is overmoulded toeach of the first and second portions 20, 21 of the housing 2. Thebumpers 22 are arranged to protect the communicator 1 from impactagainst a hard surface if the communicator 1 is dropped by a worker whois holding or carrying it, and/or to cushion the wearer should thewearer fall on the communicator 1 during a fall event.

The global positioning system module 3 is configured, in use, to monitorthe location of the communicator 1 (and hence the position of a workerwho is carrying or wearing the communicator 1). The global positioningsystem module 3 functions in the usual manner as is well known by oneskilled in the art which will not be described further herein. In thisembodiment, the global positioning system module 3 is configured to sendcontinuously worker location data to the base station B. In embodiments,however, the global positioning system module 3 may be configured tosend intermittently worker location data to the base station B, forexample once every 20 seconds or another predetermined time period. Theworker location data comprises location data associated with the workercarrying the communicator 1, in this embodiment. In embodiments,however, the worker location data may comprise location data associatedwith the particular communicator 1. The global positioning system module3 may comprise, for example, an A2235H GPS Module as available fromMaestro Wireless Solutions of 121 King Lam Street, Cheung Sha Wan,Kowloon, Hong Kong. In embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM)card (not shown) may be located (removably or non-removably) in theglobal positioning system module 3 (which may comprise a SIM cardreader).

The accelerometer module 4 is configured to detect a fall event of aworker carrying or wearing the communicator 1. The accelerometer module4 may comprise, for example, an MC3635 3-axis accelerometer as availablefrom mCube Inc, 2570 North First Street, Suite 300, San Jose, Calif.,95131, USA.

The input device 5 is configured to active and deactivate the visual andaudible alarms 8, 9 and also transmission of a fall warning by thetransmitter 7, in this embodiment. The input device 5 is a TL2203 Seriespushbutton switch, in this embodiment. The input device 5 is arranged tobe manually operable by a worker wearing or carrying the communicator 1,in use.

The transceiver 6 is configured to wirelessly communicate with thereceiver R of the base station B. The transceiver 6 may comprise theglobal positioning system module 3 and/or may be operably connectedthereto. The transceiver 6 may comprise an antenna 60, in embodiments,for example an XPW100A003-01-B PCB strip antenna as available fromLantronix®, Inc. of 7535 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, Calif.,92618, USA.

The visual alarm 8 is operably connected to the input device 5 via theprinted circuit board

PCB. The visual alarm 8 is a light source, in this embodiment. Thevisual alarm 8 may comprise, for example, an XLamp XHP70 LED asavailable from Cree Inc. of 4600 Silicon Drive, Durham, N.C., 27703,USA.

The audible alarm 9 is operably connected to the input device 5 via theprinted circuit board

PCB. The audible alarm 9 comprises a buzzer 9, in this embodiment. Inembodiments, however, the audible alarm 9 may additionally oralternatively comprise one or more speakers or other suitable audiodevices. In embodiments, the audible alarm 9 may be a panel mount piezobuzzer (operable up to 97 dB) as available from Kingstate ElectronicsCorporation, of 10F, No. 69-11, Sec. 2, Jhongjheng E. Road, DanshuiDistrict, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.

As shown in FIG. 5, the communicator 1 comprises a clip C, in thisembodiment, for attaching the communicator 1 to a belt or other articleof clothing of a worker. The clip C is removably attached to the secondportion 21 of the housing 2 in this embodiment. However, in embodiments,the clip C may be integrally formed or permanently attached to thehousing 2.

In use, the transmitter 7 of each communicator 1 is configured to sendone or more signals to the receiver R of the base station B, asindicated by arrows x in FIG. 1. The receiver portion of the transceiver6 of each communicator 1 is also configured to receive a signal from thetransceiver T of the base station B, in this embodiment, as indicated byarrows y. In embodiments, however, the base station B may be providedabsent the transceiver T (and with only a receiver R) and/or one, someor each communicator 1 may be provided absent the receiver portion ofthe transceiver 6, in which case the or each communicator 1 may not beconfigured to receive a signal from the base station B. In thisembodiment, the transceiver 6 of each communicator 1 is configured toallow the sending and receiving of signals to and from a furthercommunicator 1 (e.g. the other communicator 1), as indicated by arrows zin FIG. 1. In embodiments, however, one, some or each communicator 1 maybe provided absent this functionality.

In use, each communicator 1 is worn by a worker by attaching the clip Cto a belt of said worker (not shown).

When the accelerometer module 4 of a communicator 1 detects a fall eventof the worker carrying that communicator 1 a notification is sent to theworker using the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm 9. There may bea delay of say 1 to 20 seconds between the conclusion of the fall eventand the triggering of the alarm, for example a delay of between 1 and10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 seconds. Advantageously, such a delay mitigatesagainst the possibility of the worker accidentally deactivating thenotification sent via the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm 9. Aswill be appreciated, during a fall event the worker may accidentallyengage the input device 5 of the communicator 1, which (absent a delayas described above) might accidentally deactivate the notification.

The visual alarm 9 may be configured to emit a continuous or pulsed orintermittent light for a predetermined period of time, for example 10seconds. The audible alarm 9 may be configured to emit a sound, forexample a series of ten sounds, each at one second intervals. Theemission of the light by the visual alarm 8 and the emitted sounds bythe audible alarm 9 may be coordinated, for example such that the firstsound is emitted when the light is first emitted and the last sound isemitted as the light is turned off. If the worker activates the inputdevice 5 by pressing the pushbutton switch within the, say, 10 secondtime period (e.g. whilst the light is emitted), the communicator 1 isconfigured to prevent the transmission via the transmitter 7 of a fallwarning to the base station B. If, however, the worker does not activatethe input device 5 during the, say, 10 second time period thecommunicator 1 is configured to allow the automatic transmission via thetransmitter 7 of a fall warning to the base station B. When the fallwarning has been transmitted the visual alarm 8 may be configured toemit light (either continuously or intermittently) and/or the audiblealarm 9 may be configured to emit one or more noises (eithercontinuously or intermittently) as an alarm. The light and/or soundsemitted after a fall warning has been transmitted may be the same or maybe different to the notification sent to the worker prior totransmission of the fall warning, the notification comprising lightand/or sounds emitted from the visual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm9.

If a worker wearing a communicator 1 falls down and the fall is notdetected by the accelerometer module 4, the worker can triggertransmission via the transmitter 7 of a fall warning to the base stationB by activating the input device 5 (e.g. by pressing the pushbuttonswitch). Alternatively, if there has not been a non-fall related event(e.g. the worker has suffered an injury or has been otherwise impaired)the worker can trigger the alarm and/or trigger transmission of a signalvia the transmitter 7 to the base station B. The base station B mayinterpret and/or respond to such a signal in the same manner or adifferent manner to that in which it interprets and/or responds to areceived fall warning.

In embodiments, the input device 5 may be configured to canceltransmission of a fall warning which has been triggered by the worker(for example if the fall warning was mistakenly triggered). In someembodiments, the input device 5 may also be configured to activate thevisual alarm 8 and/or the audible alarm (and/or to deactivate the visualalarm 8 and/or the audible alarm). In some embodiments, the input device5 may be configured such that a first manual activation (e.g. push ordepression) by the worker activates the transmission of a fall warningand the emission of light by the visual alarm 8 and the emission ofsound by the audible alarm 9. The input device 5 may be configured suchthat a second manual activation by the worker cancels transmission ofthe fall warning. The input device 5 may be configured such that a thirdmanual activation by the worker deactivates emission of light by thevisual alarm 8. The input device 5 may be configured such that a fourthmanual activation by the worker deactivates emission of sound by theaudible alarm 9. In embodiments, however, the input device 5 may not beoperable to trigger and/or cancel transmission of a fall warning to thebase station B via the transmitter 7. In these embodiments, the inputdevice 5 may be configured such that a first manual activation by theworker activates emission of light by the visual alarm 8 and emission ofsound by the audible alarm 9, a second manual activation by the workerdeactivates emission of light by the visual alarm 8, and a third manualactivation by the worker deactivates emission of sound by the audiblealarm 9. If one or both of the visual alarm 8 and audible alarm 9 isdeactivated by the worker, the base station B (e.g. an operative at thebase station B) may check orally and/or visually with the worker toensure that the deactivation has intentional (e.g. and/or to check thatthe worker does not require assistance or rescuing).

The base station B can determine (e.g. an operative at the base stationB can determine) how best to respond to a received fall warning or othersignal from the communicator 1 of a worker. For example, one or morerescuers may be dispatched to said worker. Additionally oralternatively, one or more further worker (for example in the workenvironment) may be requested to help and/or to travel to the workerwho's communicator 1 sent the fall warning or other signal to the basestation B. Advantageously, by logging the worker location data, the basestation B can determine a course of action which is appropriate to thespecific circumstances. A worker wearing one of the communicators 1 cancommunicate with a worker wearing the other of the communicators 1, viathe transceiver 6. In this way a worker who has fallen can be aided (forexample as directed by the base station B) more readily and rapidly thanmight otherwise be the case. In some circumstances, a second worker (whohas not fallen) may be relatively nearer to a fallen worker (orotherwise able to reach them relatively more rapidly or easily) and may,having been directed by the base station B, therefore provide aid in arelatively more timely fashion than may be possible for emergencyservices or other rescuers.

The processor P of the base station B is configured to log receivedworker location data transmitted by the transmitter 7 of eachcommunicator 1. In this way, when a fall warning is transmitted by acommunicator 1 the location of the worker carrying or wearing saidcommunicator 1 is stored in the base station B. Dispatch of one or morerescuers to the fallen worker is thereby relatively more rapid thanwould otherwise be the case. The base station B may be monitored by oneor more people, in embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, the basestation B may be configured to transmit (e.g. via the transceiver T) analert to a further device (not shown). In some embodiments, theprocessor P of the base station B may be configured to activate theoptional automated telephone messaging system S to alert a rescuer thata worker has fallen, when a fall warning is received by the receiver Rof the base station B.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that severalvariations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. For example, although thealarm and notification mechanism are the same in the communicator 1shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 this need not be the case, and instead separatealarms and notification mechanisms may be provided. For example, thealarm may comprise the visual alarm 8 and/or an audible alarm 9, whilstthe notification mechanism may comprise a separate visual and/or audionotifier. Suitable visual notifiers may comprise one or more furtherlight sources and/or a display or screen or projector comprised on thecommunicator 1 (for example configured to display a visual message tothe worker carrying or wearing the communicator 1). Suitable audionotifiers may comprise one or more further audio devices, such as one ormore speakers or the like (for example configured to emit an audialmessage to the worker carrying or wearing the communicator 1).

In embodiments, the communicator 1 comprises one or more cameras. The oreach camera may be configured, in use, to capture one or more images(e.g. still and/or moving). The one or more images may be in thevicinity of the communicator. Capture of the one or more images may betriggered, e.g. automatically and/or manually. Where the trigger isautomatic, the trigger may comprise detection by the accelerometermodule 4 that the worker has fallen down. Where the trigger is manual,the trigger may comprise a or the worker activating a trigger mechanismsuch as a trigger button or switch, for example on the communicator 1.

In embodiments, the printed circuit board PCB comprises memory (e.g. RAMand/or ROM). The processor P may be configured to store image datarelating or corresponding to one or more image captured by the or eachcamera (where provided) in or on the memory.

In embodiments, the processor P is configured, when a fall event isdetected by the accelerometer module 4, to transmit a report to one ormore third party (for example a relative, carer, heath careprofessional, health care organisation, etc.). In embodiments, thereport comprises an indication that the worker has fallen. Inembodiments, the report comprises medically relevant informationconcerning the worker, for example blood type, age, height, weight, bodymass index and the like.

The report may comprise a reference to the detected fall event and/orthe fall warning or a reference thereto. The report may compriseidentification data of the communicator 1 and/or of the worker carryingor wearing the communicator 1 (for example where the identification datamay comprise a code or number). In embodiments, the report may compriserelevant data to the person carrying or wearing the communicator 1 (forexample information regarding one or more medical condition).

In embodiments, the relevant data and/or contact information relating tothe or each third party may be stored on or in the communicator 1 and/orremotely therefrom. The relevant data may be stored or contained in adatabase of relevant data (for example, which may comprise data relevantto plural people). The relevant data (e.g. the database thereof) may bestored in or on the storage means (where provided). Contact informationof the or each third party (where the communicator 1 is configured totransmit a report thereto in the event of a fall event being detected)may be stored in or on the storage means. The identification data of thecommunicator 1 and/or of the person carrying or wearing the communicator1 may be stored in or on the storage means.

In embodiments, where the communicator 1 is configured to trigger (e.g.automatically) transmission of a report to one or more third party, thecommunicator 1 may transmit a request to a remote server to transmit areport to one or more third party. The request may comprise orcorrespond to the identification data of the communicator 1 and/or theperson carrying or wearing the communicator 1. The remote server maycomprise or be the base station or may be associated or in communicationtherewith. The remote server may comprise the database of relevant data(where provided).

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any numberof combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in theappended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and aretherefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

1. A communicator for monitoring a worker in a work environment whencarried or worn by said worker, the communicator comprising: atransmitter for communicating with a base station remote from thecommunicator; a location monitoring means for monitoring the location ofthe communicator and for continuously or intermittently sending to thebase station worker location data associated with the respectivecommunicator and/or the worker wearing or carrying the communicator; afall detection device configured to detect a fall event of a workercarrying or wearing the communicator; an input means operable by theworker carrying or wearing the communicator; and an alarm configured toactivate if a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detectiondevice, where the communicator is configured to transmit a fall warningto the base station using the transmitter when the fall detection devicedetects a fall event of a person carrying or wearing the communicatorunless the input means is activated to prevent the transmission, whereinthe alarm is configured to activate only if a fall warning has been oris being transmitted.
 2. Communicator according to claim 1, comprising anotification component configured to notify the worker, after a fallevent has been detected by the fall detection device, that a fallwarning will be transmitted unless the input means is activated, e.g.within a pre-set time period.
 3. Communicator according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the notification component is configured to produce a visualand/or aural notification.
 4. Communicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3,wherein the alarm is configured to give an audible alarm and/or a visualalarm when it is activated.
 5. Communicator according to any precedingclaim, comprising a manual override means operable by the worker. 6.Communicator according to claim 5, wherein the manual override means isoperable by the worker to trigger and/or cancel the alarm. 7.Communicator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the input meanscomprises the manual override means.
 8. Communicator according to anypreceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to maintain a logof worker location data and/or worker status data comprising datarelating to detected falls of workers.
 9. Communicator according to anypreceding claim, comprising a housing configured to protect thetransmitter, the location monitoring means, the fall detection deviceand the input means from damage from a fall of the worker and/or fromdropping of the communicator by the worker onto a surface. 10.Communicator according to any proceeding claim, comprising an impactprotection means.
 11. Communicator according to claim 10, wherein theimpact protection means comprises a resilient material.
 12. Communicatoraccording to claim 10 or 11, comprising a housing where the impactprotection means is overmoulded to the housing.
 13. Communicatoraccording to any preceding claim, comprising a transceiver which isoperable by the worker to communicate with one or more further workerhaving a further communicator and or with the base station.
 14. Systemfor monitoring workers in a work environment, the system comprising: abase station comprising a receiver and a processor; and a communicatoraccording to any preceding claim.
 15. A method of monitoring workers ina work environment, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing aworker in a work environment with a communicator to carry and/or wear;b) monitoring the location of the worker using a location monitoringmeans comprised in the communicator; c) continuously or intermittentlysending, via a transmitter of the communicator to a receiver of a basestation, worker location data associated with the communicator and/orthe worker; d) detecting a fall of the worker using a fall detectiondevice comprised in the communicator; and e) transmitting (e.g.automatically) a fall warning to the base station using the transmitterof the communicator unless the worker activates (e.g. manually) an inputmeans of the communicator f) activating an alarm of the communicatorwhen a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detectiondevice, wherein step f) occurs only if a fall warning has been or isbeing transmitted to the base station using the communicator'stransmitter.
 16. Method according to claim 17, comprising a step g) ofnotifying the worker, using a notification means of the communicator,that a fall warning will be transmitted using the communicator'stransmitter unless the input means is activated.
 17. Method according toclaim 18, wherein notifying the worker comprises providing a visualand/or aural notification.
 18. Method according to claim 15, wherein thealarm is activated by the worker, for example by activating anactivation means of the communicator.
 19. Method according to any ofclaims 15 to 18, comprising a step h) of cancelling or stopping thealarm of the communicator.
 20. Method according to claim 19, whereinstep h) comprises the worker cancelling or stopping the alarm of thecommunicator, for example by activating an or the activation means. 21.Method according to any of claims 15 to 20, comprising a step i) ofsending an alert by telephone if a fall warning is transmitted to thebase station.